Entebbe International Airport is celebrating a landmark achievement after recording its busiest month in history. According to Vianney Luggya, the Manager, Public Affairs at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), “in August 2025, the airport facilitated a total of 243,089 international passengers, surpassing the previous record set just one month earlier in July 2025.”
This historic milestone reflects Uganda’s growing appeal as a key destination for both tourism and business.
However, the surge in passenger traffic, which saw an average of over 7,800 daily travellers, was driven by a combination of factors.
The Uganda Tourism Board has noted, for instance, that sports tourism and major international conferences held in Kampala were key contributors to the higher figures.
Officials from the UTB reveal that these events, which included the Vision Zero Conference and the Uganda Buildcon International Expo, as well as the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, not only attracted delegates and participants but also helped to showcase Uganda’s capacity as a host for major global gatherings.
A Vital Hub for Trade
But beyond passenger numbers, the airport’s performance as a trade gateway remains robust.
Luggya reveals that in August, Entebbe handled a total of 5,257 metric tons of cargo.
The statistics reveal a strong export-driven trade balance, with exports reaching 3,247 metric tons against 2,010 metric tons of imports.
This positive trend is a testament to the resilience of Uganda’s export sector, particularly its high-value agricultural products.
The report from the UCAA indicates that fresh produce continues to be a leading export, underscoring the vital link between the country’s agricultural productivity and its international trade.
The consistent growth in cargo exports reinforces Entebbe Airport’s strategic role in boosting Uganda’s foreign exchange earnings.
A Win for Uganda’s Economy
The record-breaking figures are more than just statistics; they are a powerful indicator of Uganda’s post-pandemic economic recovery and growth.
The sustained increase in passenger traffic points to a thriving tourism sector, which directly contributes to job creation, foreign investment, and economic diversification.
The strong export performance highlights the success of national efforts to professionalise and expand the agricultural value chain, from farm to global market.
With ongoing infrastructure upgrades at Entebbe Airport and a continued focus on promoting Uganda as a destination for both leisure and business, the future looks bright.
The August 2025 results are a strong sign of confidence from the global community in the Pearl of Africa’s growing potential.